France are on 2nd place in group A of FIFA World Cup qualifications in European zone with 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss; goal difference 11:5). They currently share the same amount of points as 1st Sweden, so it’s possible to get directly qualified. France take on the Netherlands on Thursday at Stade de France. ‘Les Bleus’ have played 2 home games so far in qualifications, winning both (4:1 Bulgaria, 2:1 Sweden). Hosts are missing Raphael Varane, who is injured. Zouma was called-up as his replacement. Also Ousmane Dembele isn’t in squad as he wasn’t training with Borussia Dortmund. Benzema continues to be omitted by coach Dider Deschamps.

Netherlands are on 3rd position in group A 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses; goal difference 13:6). The Dutch team doesn’t have their best moment in history, but they can at least try and finish second. It’s worth noticing that Robin van Persie is back to the national team. There are problems with defenders as Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Daryl Janmaat and Jeffrey Bruma are all unavailable. Game against France will be the 4th away fixture for the Netherlands during qualifications. In previous 3 matches they didn’t impress, having collected 4 points (1:1 Sweden, 3:1 Luxembourg, 0:2 Bulgaria).

All in all, it seems that hosts are favourites of this clash. France have more quality than their rivals and in my opinion hosts should be able to get the important 3 points as the Netherlands fail to impress these years.

Nowgoal Pick: France -0.50 @1.53

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